IN JUST 12 months, the Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project has uncovered a major infestation of American Skunk Cabbage, planted 2,000 trees and delivered two large Slow the Flow schemes, to revive the River Wye.

The River Wye runs from its source on Plynlimon in the Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales, and flows generally south-eastward, through Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth as its heads to the Severn Estuary near Chepstow.

This Natural Resources Wales project works with farmers, landowners, and local communities to improve water quality, restore natural processes, and strengthen climate resilience in the Upper River Wye Special Area of Conservation.

During its first year the body has tackled invasive species head-on after surveys revealed a previously unrecorded infestation of American Skunk Cabbage on one of the Wye’s tributaries and spreads its seeds via streams and rivers.

The infestation of the Himalayan Balsam is also being addressed on key tributaries with a planned removal strategy over the coming years being devised.

Working in neighbouring forests, the team have installed low-cost measures that included leaky dams, bunds, and forest drain blocking.

These have slowed down flood pulses, trapped sediment, reconnected floodplains, and created richer habitats for wildlife.

Riverbanks and floodplains have been transformed with kilometres of fencing, new buffer zones, off-stream livestock watering points, and wetland creation. These changes will reduce erosion, improve water quality.

The team planted 2,000 native trees at one farm along the river, which, once fully grown will stabilise the riverbanks and create vital future shade for fish.

“The first 12 months have shown what’s possible when we work together,” said Susie Tudge, project lead.

“We’ve built strong relationships, delivered real change on the ground, and are creating a foundation for restoring the Upper Wye for our future generations.”

It is anticipated that these improvements will help the River Wye’s water quality further downstream.